Humas Fapsi — On Saturday, May 6, 2023, a mural painting event was held with the alumni of the 1997 batch of the Faculty of Psychology at Universitas Padjadjaran. The event began with the awarding of a Grant Certificate by Dr. Fitriani Yustikasari Lubis, M.Psi, Psychologist, to the head of the 1997 batch of the Faculty of Psychology at Unpad. As part of the Faculty of Psychology at Universitas Padjadjaran, the alumni united and provided financial assistance and supporting facilities for learning on campus. The facilities at the Faculty of Psychology at Universitas Padjadjaran have undergone many changes, including a podcast room, disability ramp, hybrid classrooms, a renovated canteen, and other facilities that can be seen when visiting the Faculty of Psychology at Universitas Padjadjaran. However, one of the most notable features is the colorful murals with the numbers 89 and 97 at the Faculty of Psychology at Universitas Padjadjaran.

The idea of creating these murals stemmed from one of the flagship facilities of the Faculty of Psychology at Unpad, the ramp that facilitates access for people with disabilities. One of the 1997 alumni, Mr. Fajar, the head of the 1997 batch of the Faculty of Psychology, believes that there is always a story behind what they do and contribute to their alma mater. The alumni of the 1989 and 1997 batches were very excited to see the development and progress of their faculty, so they wanted to contribute not only to the construction but also to the decoration process. He also explained that the ideas and images for the murals came from the alumni, who were then helped to visualize them by visual designers.

Not only do the murals feature interesting images, but they also contain meanings and stories from each batch (sweet memories during their studies) combined with psychological themes and issues such as mental health. During the process, the alumni allowed the mural painting to proceed organically, without setting a deadline for its completion. According to them, all parts of the Faculty of Psychology could contribute together to this art until it was finished. If any part of the building wanted to have another mural, the alumni would gladly welcome the idea and take part again.

The painting process also served as a small “reunion” among the alumni. Some of them brought their children who wanted to join in painting the mural. They also took photos together during the handover process between the Faculty of Psychology at Universitas Padjadjaran and the alumni. During the painting process, they painted while joking around. They exchanged stories about their current and past lives, reminiscing about their time studying at the Faculty of Psychology at Universitas Padjadjaran. Some of them also cheerfully sang the 1997 batch’s “jingle” song. After painting, they ate together and toured the Faculty of Psychology at Universitas Padjadjaran, exploring the newly renovated facilities.

Before officially ending the painting process, they also left their “mark” on the mural they had painted. They placed their handprints on the paint and the wall, leaving behind memories of that day. Although they grow older, the pages of memory and love for their alma mater will never fade (H/SKN).